Sleep is critical to good Mental Health.

It was World Mental Health Day on 10th October, and it has prompted me to write about the importance of a good night’s sleep to both an adult’s and children’s mental health

I have first-hand experience of how detrimental sleep deprivation can be to mental health. It is this knowledge that inspired me to become a Sleep Coach, and to help other parents avoid the long-term effects of sleep deprivation on the body and mind. 

Sleep deprivation significantly impacts our brain, mood and overall happiness. Most (if not all!) parents of 0-5 year olds experience a significant reduction of sleep quality. In fact, studies show that, on average, new parents lose around 109 minutes of sleep per night during the first year after their children’s birth. That’s a lot of sleep to be missing over the course of a year (663 hours or 27.5 days of sleep)! 

The effects of sleep deprivation on an adult’s Mental Health include:

  1. Reduced cognitive function: lack of sleep impairs cognitive abilities including memory, attention, and decision-making. 
  2. Difficulties regulating emotions: sleep plays a crucial role in mood stability.
  3. Higher risk of developing anxiety and depression: the body’s ability to regulate stress hormones, like cortisol, is compromised when sleep is disrupted. 
  4. An overall lower mood: quality sleep is directly tied to overall life satisfaction and happiness. It boosts serotonin production and other feel good neurotransmitters that contribute to a positive mood. 

However, it’s not just adults that are affected by a lack of sleep. Babies and children also suffer the effects of sleep deprivation both physically and mentally.

In children, chronic sleep deprivation causes:

  1. Cognitive impairment: children who don’t get enough sleep may have trouble with decision-making, learning, memory and conflict resolution. 
  2. Behavioural issues: children who are not well-rested may be more impulsive, hyperactive or misbehave. 
  3. Low mood: tired children tend to have lower energy levels, mood swings and decreased social skills. 
  4. Academic problems: poor sleep can negatively impact a child’s school performance. They have lower levels of focus and attention. 
  5. Physical health: sleep helps the body build muscle, repair cells and grow. Poor sleep is linked to obesity in children, and other health problems such as diabetes. 

Therefore, sleep isn’t just a ‘nice to have’. It is imperative to ours and our children’s physical, mental and emotional health. 

Final thoughts…

Many parents who approach me for sleep support tend to feel guilty about wanting a better night’s sleep for them and their child. I want to take this guilt away. Your number one job as a parent is to keep your child safe. Part of that safety is their health, and they can only be truly healthy if they’re getting the sleep they need. Likewise, without sleep, parents cannot fulfil their potential as a parent. Sleep is necessary so make it a priority. 

If you need support in getting your little one the sleep they need, get in touch and set up a free Discovery Call